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Xu J, Shen E, Guo F, Wang K, Hu Y, Shen L, Chen H, Li X, Zhu QH, Fan L, Chu Q. Identification of cell-type specificity, trans- and cis-acting functions of plant lincRNAs from single-cell transcriptomes. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2025; 245:698-710. [PMID: 39550625 DOI: 10.1111/nph.20269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2024] [Accepted: 10/21/2024] [Indexed: 11/18/2024]
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs, including intergenic lncRNAs (lincRNAs), play a key role in various biological processes throughout the plant life cycle, and the advent of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology has opened up a valuable avenue for scrutinizing the intricate roles of lincRNAs in cellular processes. Here, we identified a new batch of lincRNAs using scRNA-seq data from diverse tissues of plants (rice, Arabidopsis, tomato, and maize). Based on well-annotated single-cell transcriptome atlases, plant lincRNAs were found to possess the same level of cell-type specificity as mRNAs and to be involved in the differentiation of certain cell types based on pseudo-time analysis. Many lincRNAs were predicted to play a hub role in the cell-type-specific co-expression networks of lincRNAs and mRNAs, suggesting their trans-acting abilities. Besides, plant lincRNAs were revealed to have potential cis-acting properties based on their genomic distances and expression correlations with the neighboring mRNAs. Furthermore, an online platform, PscLncRNA (http://ibi.zju.edu.cn/psclncrna/), was constructed for searching and visualizing all identified plant lincRNAs with annotated potential functions. Our work provides new insights into plant lincRNAs at single-cell resolution and an important resource for understanding and further investigation of plant lincRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiwei Xu
- Hainan Institute, Zhejiang University, Sanya, 572025, China
- Institute of Crop Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Enhui Shen
- Institute of Crop Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Fu Guo
- Hainan Institute, Zhejiang University, Sanya, 572025, China
| | - Kaiqiang Wang
- Hainan Institute, Zhejiang University, Sanya, 572025, China
| | - Yurong Hu
- Institute of Crop Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Leti Shen
- Hainan Institute, Zhejiang University, Sanya, 572025, China
- Institute of Crop Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Hongyu Chen
- Institute of Crop Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xiaohan Li
- Institute of Crop Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Qian-Hao Zhu
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, GPO Box 1700, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Longjiang Fan
- Hainan Institute, Zhejiang University, Sanya, 572025, China
- Institute of Crop Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Qinjie Chu
- Institute of Crop Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
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Zhao Z, Yang Y, Iqbal A, Wu Q, Zhou L. Biological Insights and Recent Advances in Plant Long Non-Coding RNA. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:11964. [PMID: 39596034 PMCID: PMC11593582 DOI: 10.3390/ijms252211964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2024] [Revised: 11/03/2024] [Accepted: 11/04/2024] [Indexed: 11/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) refers to an RNA molecule longer than 200 nucleotides (nt) that plays a significant role in regulating essential molecular and biological processes. It is commonly found in animals, plants, and viruses, and is characterized by features such as epigenetic markers, developmental stage-specific expression, and tissue-specific expression. Research has shown that lncRNA participates in anatomical processes like plant progression, while also playing a crucial role in plant disease resistance and adaptation mechanisms. In this review, we provide a concise overview of the formation mechanism, structural characteristics, and databases related to lncRNA in recent years. We primarily discuss the biological roles of lncRNA in plant progression as well as its involvement in response to biotic and abiotic stresses. Additionally, we examine the current challenges associated with lncRNA and explore its potential application in crop production and breeding. Studying plant lncRNAs is highly significant for multiple reasons: It reveals the regulatory mechanisms of plant growth and development, promotes agricultural production and food security, and drives research in plant genomics and epigenetics. Additionally, it facilitates ecological protection and biodiversity conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihao Zhao
- National Key Laboratory for Tropical Crop Breeding, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, China; (Z.Z.); (Y.Y.); (Q.W.)
- Hainan Key Laboratory of Tropical Oil Crops Biology/Coconut Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Wenchang 571339, China;
- Industrial Development Department, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, China
| | - Yaodong Yang
- National Key Laboratory for Tropical Crop Breeding, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, China; (Z.Z.); (Y.Y.); (Q.W.)
- Hainan Key Laboratory of Tropical Oil Crops Biology/Coconut Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Wenchang 571339, China;
| | - Amjad Iqbal
- Hainan Key Laboratory of Tropical Oil Crops Biology/Coconut Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Wenchang 571339, China;
- Department of Food Science & Technology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 23200, Pakistan
| | - Qiufei Wu
- National Key Laboratory for Tropical Crop Breeding, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, China; (Z.Z.); (Y.Y.); (Q.W.)
- Hainan Key Laboratory of Tropical Oil Crops Biology/Coconut Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Wenchang 571339, China;
| | - Lixia Zhou
- National Key Laboratory for Tropical Crop Breeding, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, China; (Z.Z.); (Y.Y.); (Q.W.)
- Hainan Key Laboratory of Tropical Oil Crops Biology/Coconut Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Wenchang 571339, China;
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Dhatterwal P, Sharma N, Prasad M. Decoding the functionality of plant transcription factors. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2024; 75:4745-4759. [PMID: 38761104 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erae231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) intricately govern cellular processes and responses to external stimuli by modulating gene expression. TFs help plants to balance the trade-off between stress tolerance and growth, thus ensuring their long-term survival in challenging environments. Understanding the factors and mechanisms that define the functionality of plant TFs is of paramount importance for unravelling the intricate regulatory networks governing development, growth, and responses to environmental stimuli in plants. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of these factors and mechanisms defining the activity of TFs. Understanding the dynamic nature of TFs has practical implications for modern molecular breeding programmes, as it provides insights into how to manipulate gene expression to optimize desired traits in crops. Moreover, recent studies also report the functional duality of TFs, highlighting their ability to switch between activation and repression modes; this represents an important mechanism for attuning gene expression. Here we discuss what the possible reasons for the dual nature of TFs are and how this duality instructs the cell fate decision during development, and fine-tunes stress responses in plants, enabling them to adapt to various environmental challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Manoj Prasad
- National Institute of Plant Genome Research, New Delhi, India
- Department of Genetics, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi, India
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, India
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Pang Y, Zheng K, Min Q, Wang Y, Xue X, Li W, Zhao H, Qiao F, Han S. Long Noncoding RNAs in Response to Hyperosmolarity Stress, but Not Salt Stress, Were Mainly Enriched in the Rice Roots. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6226. [PMID: 38892412 PMCID: PMC11172603 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Due to their immobility and possession of underground parts, plants have evolved various mechanisms to endure and adapt to abiotic stresses such as extreme temperatures, drought, and salinity. However, the contribution of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) to different abiotic stresses and distinct rice seedling parts remains largely uncharacterized beyond the protein-coding gene (PCG) layer. Using transcriptomics and bioinformatics methods, we systematically identified lncRNAs and characterized their expression patterns in the roots and shoots of wild type (WT) and ososca1.1 (reduced hyperosmolality-induced [Ca2+]i increase in rice) seedlings under hyperosmolarity and salt stresses. Here, 2937 candidate lncRNAs were identified in rice seedlings, with intergenic lncRNAs representing the largest category. Although the detectable sequence conservation of lncRNAs was low, we observed that lncRNAs had more orthologs within the Oryza. By comparing WT and ososca1.1, the transcription level of OsOSCA1.1-related lncRNAs in roots was greatly enhanced in the face of hyperosmolality stress. Regarding regulation mode, the co-expression network revealed connections between trans-regulated lncRNAs and their target PCGs related to OsOSCA1.1 and its mediation of hyperosmolality stress sensing. Interestingly, compared to PCGs, the expression of lncRNAs in roots was more sensitive to hyperosmolarity stress than to salt stress. Furthermore, OsOSCA1.1-related hyperosmolarity stress-responsive lncRNAs were enriched in roots, and their potential cis-regulated genes were associated with transcriptional regulation and signaling transduction. Not to be ignored, we identified a motif-conserved and hyperosmolarity stress-activated lncRNA gene (OSlncRNA), speculating on its origin and evolutionary history in Oryza. In summary, we provide a global perspective and a lncRNA resource to understand hyperosmolality stress sensing in rice roots, which helps to decode the complex molecular networks involved in plant sensing and adaptation to stressful environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanrong Pang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Resources and Molecular Development, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; (Y.P.); (K.Z.); (Y.W.); (X.X.); (W.L.); (H.Z.)
| | - Kaifeng Zheng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Resources and Molecular Development, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; (Y.P.); (K.Z.); (Y.W.); (X.X.); (W.L.); (H.Z.)
| | - Qinyue Min
- School of Life Sciences, Qinghai Normal University, Xining 810008, China;
| | - Yinxing Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Resources and Molecular Development, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; (Y.P.); (K.Z.); (Y.W.); (X.X.); (W.L.); (H.Z.)
| | - Xiuhua Xue
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Resources and Molecular Development, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; (Y.P.); (K.Z.); (Y.W.); (X.X.); (W.L.); (H.Z.)
| | - Wanjie Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Resources and Molecular Development, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; (Y.P.); (K.Z.); (Y.W.); (X.X.); (W.L.); (H.Z.)
| | - Heping Zhao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Resources and Molecular Development, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; (Y.P.); (K.Z.); (Y.W.); (X.X.); (W.L.); (H.Z.)
| | - Feng Qiao
- School of Life Sciences, Qinghai Normal University, Xining 810008, China;
| | - Shengcheng Han
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Resources and Molecular Development, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; (Y.P.); (K.Z.); (Y.W.); (X.X.); (W.L.); (H.Z.)
- Academy of Plateau Science and Sustainability of the People’s Government of Qinghai Province & Beijing Normal University, Qinghai Normal University, Xining 810008, China
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Cai J, He R, Zhang Y, Zhang P, Zhu Y, Wang D. Protocol for detecting lncRNA-protein interaction in vivo using the yeast three-hybrid assay. STAR Protoc 2024; 5:102856. [PMID: 38285736 PMCID: PMC10839528 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2024.102856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Analyses of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA)-protein interactions provide key clues for understanding the molecular basis of lncRNA-modulated biological processes. Here, we detail a yeast three-hybrid assay to identify the lncRNA-interacting protein. We describe steps for lncRNA bait preparation, screening an RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) cDNA library, and validation of the lncRNA-RBP interaction. The assay can also be further applied to delineate the region of RBP that mediates the RNA-protein interaction. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Zhang et al.1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Cai
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Gene Engineering in Jiangxi Province, College of Life Science, Nanchang University, Jiangxi 330031, China
| | - Reqing He
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Gene Engineering in Jiangxi Province, College of Life Science, Nanchang University, Jiangxi 330031, China
| | - Yongdi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Gene Engineering in Jiangxi Province, College of Life Science, Nanchang University, Jiangxi 330031, China
| | - Pengxiang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Gene Engineering in Jiangxi Province, College of Life Science, Nanchang University, Jiangxi 330031, China
| | - Youlin Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Gene Engineering in Jiangxi Province, College of Life Science, Nanchang University, Jiangxi 330031, China
| | - Dong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Gene Engineering in Jiangxi Province, College of Life Science, Nanchang University, Jiangxi 330031, China.
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Cao W, Yang L, Zhuang M, Lv H, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Ji J. Plant non-coding RNAs: The new frontier for the regulation of plant development and adaptation to stress. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2024; 208:108435. [PMID: 38402798 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.108435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Most plant transcriptomes constitute functional non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that lack the ability to encode proteins. In recent years, more research has demonstrated that ncRNAs play important regulatory roles in almost all plant biological processes by modulating gene expression. Thus, it is important to study the biogenesis and function of ncRNAs, particularly in plant growth and development and stress tolerance. In this review, we systematically explore the process of formation and regulatory mechanisms of ncRNAs, particularly those of microRNAs (miRNAs), small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs). Additionally, we provide a comprehensive overview of the recent advancements in ncRNAs research, including their regulation of plant growth and development (seed germination, root growth, leaf morphogenesis, floral development, and fruit and seed development) and responses to abiotic and biotic stress (drought, heat, cold, salinity, pathogens and insects). We also discuss research challenges and provide recommendations to advance the understanding of the roles of ncRNAs in agronomic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxue Cao
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 12 ZhongGuanCun South St., Beijing 100081, China
| | - Limei Yang
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 12 ZhongGuanCun South St., Beijing 100081, China
| | - Mu Zhuang
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 12 ZhongGuanCun South St., Beijing 100081, China
| | - Honghao Lv
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 12 ZhongGuanCun South St., Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 12 ZhongGuanCun South St., Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yangyong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 12 ZhongGuanCun South St., Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Jialei Ji
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 12 ZhongGuanCun South St., Beijing 100081, China.
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Liu X, Liang D, Song W, Wang X, Duan W, Wang C, Wang P. Tobacco roots increasing diameter and secondary lateral density in response to drought stress. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2023; 204:108122. [PMID: 37939500 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2023.108122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Exploring the responses of root morphology and its physiological mechanisms under drought stress is significant for further improving water and nutrient absorption in roots. Here, we simulated drought through hydroponics combined with PEG treatments in tobacco to characterize the changes in tobacco root architecture. Our results showed the total root length, first lateral root number, and first lateral root length were significantly reduced upon increasing drought severity, but the average root diameter and secondary lateral root density increased under certain drought conditions. The change of auxin content in roots under drought stress was correlated with the root diameter and second lateral root density responses. Exogenous addition of the auxin analog (NAA) and the auxin transport inhibitor (NPA), as well as DR5:GUS staining experiments further demonstrated that auxin participated in this physiological process. Meanwhile, brassinolide (BR) exhibited a similar trend. Exogenous addition of BR (EBR) and the BR synthesis inhibitor BRZ experiments demonstrated that BR may participate upstream of auxin under drought stress. PEG treatment significantly up-regulated NtBRI1 at 9-24 h, and promoted the up-regulation of NtBSK2 and NtBSK3 at 48 h and 24 h, respectively, these genes may contribute to the change in root morphology under drought stress. This study shows that auxin and BR are involved in the changes in root morphology in tobacco exposed to drought stress. The elucidation of the molecular mechanism at play thus represents a future target for breeding drought-tolerant tobacco varieties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Tobacco Biology and Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tobacco Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, 266101, PR China
| | - Dong Liang
- Key Laboratory of Tobacco Biology and Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tobacco Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, 266101, PR China; Henan Tobacco Company Sanmenxia City Co., Ltd, Sanmenxia, 472001, PR China
| | - Wenjing Song
- Key Laboratory of Tobacco Biology and Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tobacco Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, 266101, PR China
| | - Xiaolin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tobacco Biology and Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tobacco Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, 266101, PR China
| | - Wangjun Duan
- Sichuan Zhongyan Industry Co., Ltd., Chengdu, 610021, PR China
| | - Chengdong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tobacco Biology and Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tobacco Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, 266101, PR China.
| | - Peng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tobacco Biology and Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tobacco Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, 266101, PR China.
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Liu S, Zenda T, Tian Z, Huang Z. Metabolic pathways engineering for drought or/and heat tolerance in cereals. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1111875. [PMID: 37810398 PMCID: PMC10557149 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1111875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Drought (D) and heat (H) are the two major abiotic stresses hindering cereal crop growth and productivity, either singly or in combination (D/+H), by imposing various negative impacts on plant physiological and biochemical processes. Consequently, this decreases overall cereal crop production and impacts global food availability and human nutrition. To achieve global food and nutrition security vis-a-vis global climate change, deployment of new strategies for enhancing crop D/+H stress tolerance and higher nutritive value in cereals is imperative. This depends on first gaining a mechanistic understanding of the mechanisms underlying D/+H stress response. Meanwhile, functional genomics has revealed several stress-related genes that have been successfully used in target-gene approach to generate stress-tolerant cultivars and sustain crop productivity over the past decades. However, the fast-changing climate, coupled with the complexity and multigenic nature of D/+H tolerance suggest that single-gene/trait targeting may not suffice in improving such traits. Hence, in this review-cum-perspective, we advance that targeted multiple-gene or metabolic pathway manipulation could represent the most effective approach for improving D/+H stress tolerance. First, we highlight the impact of D/+H stress on cereal crops, and the elaborate plant physiological and molecular responses. We then discuss how key primary metabolism- and secondary metabolism-related metabolic pathways, including carbon metabolism, starch metabolism, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) biosynthesis, and phytohormone biosynthesis and signaling can be modified using modern molecular biotechnology approaches such as CRISPR-Cas9 system and synthetic biology (Synbio) to enhance D/+H tolerance in cereal crops. Understandably, several bottlenecks hinder metabolic pathway modification, including those related to feedback regulation, gene functional annotation, complex crosstalk between pathways, and metabolomics data and spatiotemporal gene expressions analyses. Nonetheless, recent advances in molecular biotechnology, genome-editing, single-cell metabolomics, and data annotation and analysis approaches, when integrated, offer unprecedented opportunities for pathway engineering for enhancing crop D/+H stress tolerance and improved yield. Especially, Synbio-based strategies will accelerate the development of climate resilient and nutrient-dense cereals, critical for achieving global food security and combating malnutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songtao Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Quality & Safety Analysis-Testing for Agro-Products and Food, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, China
| | - Tinashe Zenda
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Zaimin Tian
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Quality & Safety Analysis-Testing for Agro-Products and Food, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, China
| | - Zhihong Huang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Quality & Safety Analysis-Testing for Agro-Products and Food, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, China
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